Last year I created a series of simple and easy to put together costumes for Kids 21. We had lots of fun with them and with our Playful Cardboard Costume Contest going on I thought it’d be fun to spotlight our little Baby Bat Costume we made with cardboard wings and ears.

Depending on the year and the events we are attending I vary in how complicated I want to get with Halloween costumes (our Octopus Costume being more involved but TOTALLY worth it – she can even wear it again this year for some outings). But sometimes I just want to be able to throw something easy and quick together but has a big cute factor involved. I feel like this little batty ensemble is just that. Just cut out a pair of wings and ears from cardboard and paint them black. Glue the ears onto a headband, tie a ribbon around the wings and pair with a cute black outfit and you’re little creature of the night is ready for a harvest outing with the family. This makes for a fun addition to the dress up box as well.

And an update on our Playful Cardboard Costume Contest! I’ve decided to include all repurposed, up-cycled costume ideas in the contest so it doesn’t have to just be cardboard! Basically reuse something that has had a previous life and make a fun costume from it. I’m giving away 2 of my books Playful as well as additional gifts adding up to $500!! Just tag your creative costume with #playfulcardboardcostumes on Instagram to enter! (and if you tagged under our previous hashtag #creativecardboardcostume you’ll still be entered as well).

photography by Trisha Zemp